HD Hyundai Construction Equipment is set to showcase its innovative hydrogen-powered HW155H wheeled excavator at Bauma 2025, where it is vying for a spot among the top three nominees in the Climate Protection category of the prestigious Innovation Awards. Building on its 2022 concept debut, the 14-ton machine will now be demonstrated in action, offering live demonstrations of its real-world capabilities.
The HW155H, equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell, is a key player in Hyundai’s vision for a carbon-free construction industry. At Bauma 2025, the machine will move under its own power, highlighting hydrogen’s potential to revolutionize construction equipment.
At the heart of HD Hyundai’s stand at Bauma 2025, the HW155H hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator will be a standout, demonstrating not only its impressive capabilities but also Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to sustainable construction solutions. As part of its broader focus on zero-emission machinery, Hyundai will also showcase a range of energy storage and refueling technologies, developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company. These solutions aim to make hydrogen a viable option for infrastructure, civil engineering, and building projects worldwide, helping the industry transition towards cleaner, more efficient operations.
The HW155H is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, producing between 70kW and 100kW to run the excavator’s electric motors and hydraulic pumps. This setup allows the machine to operate for up to eight hours on a single hydrogen refill, with just 10-20 minutes required for a top-up, making it ideal for busy construction sites. Its only emission is water vapor, making it an eco-friendly choice compared to conventional diesel-powered equipment. Hyundai has also addressed hydrogen availability concerns by introducing a low-pressure ‘hydrogen distribution vehicle,’ which will bring the fuel directly to construction sites.
Hydrogen’s safety benefits also stand out. It has a higher auto-ignition temperature than diesel or petrol, reducing fire risks. Also, hydrogen is lighter than air, so leaks dissipate quickly into the atmosphere, further enhancing safety. These features, combined with the excavator’s zero-emission operation, position the HW155H as an example of how hydrogen can change construction machinery, making it both safer and more sustainable.
Bauma 2025 will highlight a shift towards alternative fuels in the construction sector, with many manufacturers focusing on reducing carbon emissions through technologies like hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells. While battery-electric solutions are increasingly popular for smaller machinery, hydrogen presents a promising alternative for larger, power-hungry machines like the HW155H. With the HW155H nominated for the Bauma Innovation Award in the Climate Protection category, Hyundai’s latest advancement signals the growing role of hydrogen in driving sustainability across the construction industry.
Hyundai is also setting a new benchmark in hydrogen storage with its innovative high-density, solid-state system. This technology doubles the capacity of conventional tanks while reducing filling pressure, enhancing space efficiency, speeding up refueling times, and improving safety for construction teams. By combining this advanced storage solution with the hydrogen-powered HW155H excavator, Hyundai is demonstrating that sustainable construction machinery can be both efficient and safe, offering a promising glimpse into the future of the industry.
While Hyundai is leading the charge, it is not alone in exploring hydrogen-powered machinery. Competitors like Liebherr, JCB, and Komatsu are also testing hydrogen solutions, with some already making strides in hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cell-powered vehicles. However, the success of hydrogen-powered construction equipment depends heavily on the development of infrastructure. Without significant hydrogen production and distribution investment, even the most advanced machines may struggle to achieve widespread adoption. Bauma 2025 will be a critical platform for Hyundai to prove that the HW155H is not just a concept but a practical, operational machine that is ready for the future of sustainable construction.
